As a Deputy Minister of Audit and Evaluation, you serve as the senior executive leader responsible for overseeing all audit and evaluation activities within a federal department or agency. In this role, you provide strategic direction, set organizational priorities, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and government-wide audit and evaluation frameworks. You act as the principal advisor to the Deputy Minister and senior management team on matters of internal control, risk management, and organizational performance.
Your responsibilities include managing a large team of audit and evaluation professionals, developing audit and evaluation strategies aligned with departmental objectives, and ensuring the effective use of resources. You oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of audits and evaluations, and ensure findings and recommendations are implemented to improve departmental operations and accountability. You also maintain relationships with external bodies such as the Office of the Auditor General and Treasury Board, representing your organization at senior government forums.
This role operates in a dynamic federal environment where you contribute to organizational excellence and good governance. You work in a professional office setting, typically at headquarters, with opportunities to engage across government and with Parliament. The position requires strong strategic thinking, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of audit, evaluation, and risk management principles in a public sector context.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general audit and evaluation programs and initiatives, Advise senior management on policy and operational matters, Manage human and financial resources to achieve organizational objectives, Represent the organization in interdepartmental and external forums, Ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and Government of Canada directives
Required Skills
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, Executive leadership, Strategic vision, Stakeholder management at the most senior levels, Ministerial advisory
Typical Education
Graduate degree typically required; extensive senior executive experience in the federal public service
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Many candidates hold professional certifications such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or equivalent credentials. Advanced qualifications like an MBA or Master's degree in Public Administration are common among Deputy Minister-level appointees.
You should have extensive experience in audit, evaluation, risk management, or related financial disciplines, typically 15+ years in progressive roles. The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development through access to training programs, conferences, and certifications. At this senior level, you may participate in executive leadership development programs offered through the Canada School of Public Service and other institutions. Continuous learning in areas such as organizational leadership, strategic management, governance, and emerging audit methodologies is encouraged and supported.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Deputy Minister position typically occurs through a competitive appointment process managed by the Privy Council Office (PCO) in consultation with Treasury Board. This is not an entry-level position; candidates must have demonstrated significant career progression and executive leadership experience within the federal public service or equivalent organizations.
Common pathways include: (1) advancement through competitive processes from Director General or senior manager positions within audit and evaluation branches; (2) lateral movement from equivalent Deputy Minister or Associate Deputy Minister roles in other departments; (3) appointment from senior positions in provincial governments, Crown corporations, or the private sector, particularly in audit, risk management, or financial oversight roles. Candidates are typically appointed through Governor in Council processes and must meet rigorous leadership assessments and security requirements. The appointment reflects recognition of strategic capability, executive presence, and proven success managing large, complex organizations.
Part-Time Options
Deputy Minister positions are full-time, permanent roles that require significant time commitment and availability. The position typically operates on a standard full-time basis with an expectation of flexibility to respond to urgent government priorities and parliamentary requirements.
While formal part-time arrangements are not typical for Deputy Minister roles, the federal public service is increasingly accommodating flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. This may include options for hybrid work (combining office and remote work) or flexible scheduling to support work-life balance, subject to organizational needs and the demands of the role. Specific arrangements would be negotiated with the Privy Council Office and the employing department. Any flexibility is contingent on the ability to fulfill all responsibilities related to audit, evaluation, and executive governance effectively.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
